The effort to bring a permanent Jefferson County Museum to Madras got its biggest single funding boost yet this week, as the Bean Foundation awarded the Jefferson County Historical Society a $25,000 grant plus an additional $25,000 matching commitment — a two-part package worth up to $50,000 tied to raising another $25,000 from other sources.

"We are so grateful for the Bean Foundation," said Historical Society President Lottie Holcomb. "This is the largest amount of funds we’ve been able to secure so far, and we’re thrilled our project has earned the foundation’s support. We are very thankful."

From Church to County Museum

The project centers on transforming the historic Methodist Church at 164 S.E. D St. in Madras — a building that dates to 1908 — into a permanent home for Jefferson County’s history. The Historical Society purchased the property in 2025 with the help of a $100,000 county grant, and has been steadily raising funds for restoration ever since.

The first major improvement — a new HVAC system — was installed this past spring. Next on the docket is exterior restoration work, funded in part by a $20,000 state grant awarded in June, with that project tentatively set to begin in early fall. Interior remodeling will follow.

Fundraising Momentum

The Historical Society has now raised $113,000 over the past nine months. A final $150,000 payment on the building purchase is due in May 2027, meaning fundraising efforts remain active. The society has also submitted additional grant applications with decisions expected later this year.

  • $100,000 — Jefferson County grant (building purchase, 2025)
  • $20,000 — Oregon state grant (exterior restoration, June 2026)
  • $25,000 — Bean Foundation grant (announced Aug. 31, 2026)
  • $25,000 — Bean Foundation matching commitment
  • $113,000 total raised to date

No opening date for the museum has been announced. The building currently serves as rental space for two churches while restoration continues.

About the Bean Foundation

Founded in 1981, the Madras-based Bean Foundation supports recreation, education, culture, and the arts in Jefferson County. It has been a quiet but consistent force behind many local projects over the decades.

"The foundation does so much for our community and has for so many years," Holcomb said. "They consistently and quietly provide help to so many local projects. We’re honored to be among their beneficiaries."

Residents interested in supporting the Jefferson County Museum project can contact the Historical Society directly for information on how to donate or get involved.